Is Google Shopping Where It’s At For eCommerce?

It is no secret that eCommerce is a booming industry right now.

Lockdowns have caused new covid-centric habits to form and many New Zealanders are shopping up a storm online.

So, you want to make sure your store is ready for it!

There are plenty of new avenues to peddle those wares online, not just Facebook marketplace!

If you don’t know what Google Shopping is and you aren’t making use of it, then now is the time to start!

Want to know more? Then consider this your crash course on Google Shopping and why you need it.

What Is Google Shopping?

Google Shopping has been around in one form or another for about 20 years but became a more serious thing in 2019.

When a Google user searches for a product, say hiking boots or women’s jeans, Google will show them a set of product listings at the top of the search results page.

These listings appear as image thumbnails and include information about the products. That info usually includes price and sometimes other information about the company, for example, whether they offer free delivery and reviews of the product. Clicking on a link takes the user to the product listing on the seller’s website.

Users can also use the dedicated Google Shopping tab, which gives more options for filtering results.

Originally, sellers had to pay a fee to list on the service. But, in 2020 Google changed the rules and now you can list your products free of charge. You can also run Shopping Ads that work on a pay-per-click basis, similar to Google Ads. Shopping Ads give you better visibility in search results.

Is Google Shopping Here To Stay?

Of course, nothing in the online world is guaranteed, but there are a few things working in Google Shopping’s favour in terms of longevity.

One is that customers are increasingly looking for more options when it comes to their shopping. With supply chain issues following the Covid-19 pandemic and other world events, alongside increasing prices at the same time as economic squeezes, customers like to compare and find good deals now. Google and Google Shopping allows them to compare products across different companies easily.

Another bonus is that other shopping giants are splitting their focus somewhat by concentrating on other things. Amazon, for example, has diversified into music and television. Word on the street is that customers are finding it harder to navigate their shopping website and aren’t too keen on increased costs.

That has opened the door for Google to potentially become a leader in the shopping space. Because users already have access to Google Search and Images, it can offer a range of search options.

Why Do You Need To Be On Google Shopping?

When you run an eCommerce business, you need to maximise your reach and ensure you are getting in front of your audience in the places where they might be shopping.

Google Shopping is an effective way to do that for these reasons:

Increased visibility – When people search for products, Google Shopping listings are usually placed at the top of the page. That means people will see your listing before they get to the standard organic search results.

Targeted traffic – Shopping ads allow people to compare products and stores, so by the time someone clicks on the link to go through to your store, they will likely be much more ready to buy. This should mean increased conversions for your business.

Quicker results – Just like Google Ads, shopping ads go live as soon as they are approved and start showing in results almost immediately. No waiting for results like you do with organic search efforts. That makes them great for new businesses trying to get recognition, launching new products or targeting seasonal products, sales or promotions.

Google Shopping Is Where It’s At – Do You Have A Plan?

Now that you know the benefits of using Google Shopping as an eCommerce business, and you know it’s here to stay at least for the next few years, do you have a plan?

To compete in the Google Shopping space, you need product listings that are clear, appealing and relevant to customers. You also need to carefully consider your paid-for ads budget to ensure you are targeting the right customers at the right times.

When experimenting with a new opportunity, it is always best to seek out a wingwoman to help you navigate the platform and maximise your return. So, if you’d like some assistance figuring out Google Shopping for your business, I can help.

I work with pro-active business owners looking to grow their online presence through paid ads, organic search and online shopping.

We’ll discuss your key objectives, what’s working and, just as importantly, what’s not. Then we’ll develop a marketing plan that works for your business and how we can incorporate Google Shopping alongside your existing website and social media.

Contact me now to book your initial discovery session.